However, in 2017, the MU faced turmoil over delayed announcement of results and Deshmukh was sacked in October 2017 for introducing online assessment of papers. This had delayed results by a month, leaving lakhs of students suffering.

“That year, a team had shortlisted a location to set up the campus and found a partner to fund the university for the construction. Everything was in place. But now, the project is lost. Hardly anyone remembers it anymore as priorities have changed now,” said a senior MU official. The partner was to fund the infrastructure in exchange for a share of the fee revenue.

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.81%

AAP 42.19%

INC 25.00%

Submit

View All In Poll

Also Read: Mumbai: SCLR to get another extension, at LBS Marg

Bringing order at home

According to some MU officials, the proposal was later struck down by the management council members, saying that the administration first needed to make amends and take care of the campus in Mumbai rather than set up a new one offshore.

“That year was a disaster. The campus here at home was facing problems; lakhs of students were suffering as their results were delayed by months. Many who wanted to pursue higher education abroad were stuck; some had provisional job offers, and were facing the threat of losing them amid the absence of results. Hence the proposal was heavily criticised at the management council meeting. Also, many thought the proposal needed further checking as Pune university’s campus at Ras al Khaimah (RAK) in UAE did not work out and had low student turnout then,” said Subhash Athavle, seneral secretary of Mumbai University and College Teachers Association (MUCTA).

This was not the first ‘failed’ plan to set up an offshore campus. Initially, Deshmukh wanted to set up MU’s first offshore campus in the United States. He even visited the country to scout for possible locations. But, the plan took a backseat due to a lack of funds.